Thursday, August 21, 2008

Women's Wardrobe Basics

We all have different styles, preferences and favorite colors. And, of course, we all have different lifestyles, priorities and "jobs" (stay-at-home moms definitely included). That being said, the following wardrobe basics are fairly general, and almost every wardrobe style can benefit from including the following items. This list is not exhaustive but contains some of the items that you "should-get-if-you-don't-already-have."

14. Fitted, black blazer (or any color for that matter, really depends upon your taste and style)

13. Longer, sexy, fitted, solid color T-shirts (and tanks if you feel comfortable- These are both great because they can be dressed up or down.)

12. Accessories that coordinate with your unique style (Use accessories to enhance, not distract from, you and your outfit.)

11. Sexy, yet comfortable, undergarments (If you feel sexy about what is going on underneath your clothes, then you are going to feel that much more confident about everything else.)

10. Red heels (Red is a fabulous color and the color of confidence. I also recommend including black and brown heels in your collection. If you like wearing heels, let your imagination free to find all sorts of alluring colors. (I recommend http://www.cutesygirl.com if you are on a tight budget.)

9. Comfortable yet stylish flats (or dressier wedges) in neutral colors

8. Sexy, stylish 'trench coat' in a solid color (black, charcoal, cream, dark khaki, etc.)

7. At least one "Little Black Dress" (I have many LBDs because black dresses look classy, sexy, sophisticated and are perfect for almost any occasion.)

6. Pencil skirts in solid colors and/or A-line skirts (If you do not already wear skirts, what is keeping you from wearing them? If you would like to start, find the skirt style(s) that fits and flatters your body. You can choose from so many styles, cuts and colors out there. You are bound to find at least one skirt that looks and feels great on you. Hopefully, you will find many!)

5. At least 1 coordinating, tailored pants or skirt suit/ensemble (Even if you are not an executive/ professional... you never know when you will need to appear even more pulled together and professional than usual, i..e. jury duty, an interview, a funeral (if your LBD is too little or revealing), going to the bank for an important loan, etc.)

4. Dress pants in neutral colors and black

3. Fitted dark jeans (Jeans come in MANY cuts/styles/colors so you may not find the perfect pair right away. Stay positive! You will find a pair that look made for you. Keep in mind, you may try on 20 or more pairs of jeans before you find the right cut/style/color right for your body.)

2. Crisp, white, collared, long sleeve button-up shirt (This shirt can be worn so many ways.)

1. Your amazing smile (Your smile is the most important piece to the style puzzle.)

***Remember to invest in pieces that you can mix and match, pieces that coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe and pieces that are consistent with your style/ representation of yourself.

Have fun, and pamper yourself!

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.